Chloe Zhang
Phthalates are chemical compounds used to make plastics more durable, flexible, and less brittle. They are also used in cosmetics and personal care products like nail polish, hair spray, and fragrances. While phthalates are not authorized to be directly added to food, they can be found in food packaging and processing materials, as well as in the food itself. The FDA has been petitioned multiple times to ban the use of phthalates in food contact applications, and while they have revoked the authorization of some phthalates, they have not implemented a complete ban. As of 2022, the FDA allows nine phthalates in food contact applications, eight as plasticizers and one as a monomer. With concerns about the potential health effects of exposure to phthalates, there is an ongoing debate about the safety of these chemicals and their presence in FDA-approved plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are phthalates used in FDA-approved plastics? | Yes, the FDA currently allows nine phthalates in food contact applications. |
| What are phthalates? | Phthalates are chemicals used in plastic products to make the material soft, less brittle, and more durable. |
| How are phthalates used in plastics? | Phthalates are added to plastics as a "plasticizer" to make them flexible. |
| Are phthalates safe? | The FDA does not currently have evidence that phthalates pose a safety risk. However, there are concerns about the potential health effects of exposure to phthalates, especially in infants and children. |
| What actions has the FDA taken regarding phthalates? | The FDA has revoked the authorization of 25 substances containing phthalates for food contact use. The FDA is also evaluating scientific data and information on the safety and use of phthalates. |
| What are some sources of phthalate exposure? | Phthalates are found in food packaging, cosmetics, personal care products, dust, toys, and store receipts. |
| How can exposure to phthalates be reduced? | Consumers can prioritize fresh, whole foods, avoid certain plastic containers, and reduce exposure from toys and personal care products. |
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What You'll Learn
- Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible and durable
- The FDA has approved nine phthalates for use in food contact applications
- Phthalates are not authorised to be added to food
- Phthalates are used in cosmetics and personal care products
- Phthalate-replacement chemicals may be linked to health problems
Phthalates are used to make plastics more flexible and durable
Phthalates are chemicals used in plastic products, most commonly in the specific type of plastic named polyvinyl chloride (PVC). They are added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. Phthalates are used to make plastics soft and less brittle, and they are especially useful in flexible PVC technology.
Phthalates are not firmly attached to the polymer backbone of a plastic molecule, so they can easily migrate to the surface of the product and leach out. This can be problematic when phthalates are used in food packaging or other products that come into contact with food, as they can contaminate the food. In addition, there are concerns about the potential adverse health effects of phthalates on humans, especially infants and children who may have higher exposures to phthalates due to their frequent contact with plastic toys and other objects.
The FDA currently allows nine phthalates in food contact applications, eight of which are used as plasticizers and one as a monomer. However, the FDA has revoked food contact authorization for 25 other substances that were previously used as plasticizers, adhesives, defoaming agents, and more. Environmental and health groups have also petitioned the FDA to ban companies' use of certain phthalates in food packaging and production equipment, but these petitions have been denied.
Despite the concerns about the potential health risks of phthalates, they continue to be widely used in various consumer products, including toys, packaging, cosmetics, and personal care products. Phthalates are also used in medical applications, such as intravenous bags, medical tubing, and coatings for tablet and capsule medications. While there are efforts to replace phthalates with safer alternatives, such as non-phthalate plasticizers, the process is slow, and phthalates remain a common additive in many plastics.
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The FDA has approved nine phthalates for use in food contact applications
Phthalates are chemical compounds used to make plastics more durable. They are often added to cosmetics and personal care products such as nail polish, hair spray, aftershave lotion, cleansers, and shampoos. They are also used in food packaging and other minor food contact applications. While phthalates are not authorized to be directly added to food, they can be found in breast milk and infant care products like baby shampoo and baby lotion.
On July 3, 2018, the FDA filed a food additive petition from the Flexible Vinyl Alliance, requesting the removal of food contact uses for 23 phthalates and two other substances used as plasticizers, adhesives, defoaming agents, and more. In response, the FDA issued a final rule to amend its food additive regulations, revoking the authorizations for these 25 substances. This action limited the use of phthalates in food contact applications to nine phthalates: eight for use as plasticizers and one for use as a monomer.
The FDA continues to monitor the safety of phthalates in food contact applications. They have strict data requirements for establishing safe conditions of use and may re-evaluate safety assessments as new scientific information becomes available. The FDA is aware of updated toxicological information on phthalates and has requested scientific data and information on the current food contact uses, use levels, dietary exposure, and safety data for the eight plasticizer phthalates.
It is important to note that the FDA does not currently have evidence that phthalates in cosmetics pose a safety risk. They are also working on an updated safety assessment of the remaining authorized uses of phthalates. The FDA will continue to keep the food industry and the public informed of updates related to their activities on phthalates in food contact applications.
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Phthalates are not authorised to be added to food
Ortho-phthalates, commonly referred to as "phthalates", are chemicals used in plastic products, most notably in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl, to make the material soft and less brittle. They are also used as plasticizers, adhesives, defoaming agents, surface lubricants, resins, and slimicides. Phthalates are not authorised to be directly added to food by the FDA, but they are allowed in food contact applications.
The FDA received a citizen petition in April 2016, requesting a ban on the use of certain phthalates in food contact applications and the revocation of prior sanctioned authorisations for other phthalates due to safety concerns. The FDA denied this petition in May 2016, stating that it did not demonstrate through scientific data or information that these actions were warranted. The petitioners then submitted a food additive petition, which was also denied by the FDA in October 2024 as it did not provide sufficient data to support grouping the 28 phthalates into a single class and revoking their authorisations on safety grounds.
Despite the FDA's denial, there are ongoing concerns about the health risks associated with phthalates. Studies have linked specific phthalates, such as DEHP, to insulin resistance, high blood pressure, reproductive issues, and early menopause, even at levels below the limits set by regulators. The widespread presence of phthalates in food products and the constant exposure pose challenges in quantifying safe limits and regulating their use in food packaging and production.
The FDA continues to evaluate the safety of phthalates and has issued requests for scientific data and information on their current food contact uses, use levels, dietary exposure, and safety data. The agency is working on an updated safety assessment of the remaining authorised uses, and phthalates are included on the list of select chemicals under FDA review. The FDA's efforts extend to identifying phthalates in food packaging and processing materials, with the aim of ensuring that the food industry complies with all applicable requirements.
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Phthalates are used in cosmetics and personal care products
Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in a wide range of consumer products, including cosmetics and personal care items. They are used to make plastics more durable, flexible, and less brittle. In cosmetics, they serve as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes and other fragranced products, helping to retain scents and prevent perfumes from evaporating. They are also added to cosmetics to improve texture and consistency, making products less stiff and more spreadable.
Phthalates are commonly found in nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershaves, cleansers, shampoos, soaps, and lotions. Historically, the primary phthalates used in these products have been dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and diethyl phthalate (DEP). DBP is added to nail polishes to prevent cracking, DMP is used in hair sprays to avoid stiffness, and DEP is used as a solvent and fixative.
The use of phthalates in cosmetics has been a cause for concern due to their potential health effects. Studies have shown that phthalates can interfere with the body's natural hormones, leading to possible reproductive issues. For instance, exposure to DBP and DEHP (Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) has been linked to reduced fetal testosterone production and altered male genital development. Additionally, research has indicated a correlation between MEP and MEHP (metabolites of DEP and DEHP) and impaired sperm quality and male infertility.
While the use of phthalates in cosmetics intended for people of all ages has decreased since 2004, according to an FDA survey, daily exposure to these chemicals still occurs through various sources, including cosmetics, fragrances, and personal care products. To avoid phthalates, consumers are advised to look for products labelled as "phthalate-free" or use apps that help identify non-toxic alternatives.
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Phthalate-replacement chemicals may be linked to health problems
Phthalates are a group of chemicals commonly used to make plastic products more soft and flexible. They are also used in lotions, shampoos, perfumes, and other products to retain scents. While the specific health effects of phthalates are still being studied, there is growing evidence that these chemicals may have serious negative impacts on human health.
Phthalates have been linked to a range of health problems, including male fertility issues, heart disease, obesity, ADHD, diabetes, and cancer. They are known as "endocrine-disrupting chemicals," which means they can interfere with the hormones in the body and lead to problems with reproduction, neurological development, and child growth. One study even found that phthalates contributed to about 10-13% of all deaths from heart disease in people between the ages of 55 and 64 globally.
In response to concerns about the potential health risks of phthalates, some groups have petitioned the FDA to ban or restrict their use in food packaging and production equipment. While the FDA has denied these petitions, it has revoked food contact authorization for 25 substances and currently allows only nine phthalates to be used in food contact applications.
As alternatives to phthalates, other chemicals such as epoxidised soybean oil (ESBO), di-(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT), and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC) are being used in the plasticizer market. However, it is important to note that these replacement chemicals may also have potential health risks. For example, one study found that the presence of microplastics or nanoplastics in the carotid artery, which could carry these chemicals, increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.
To reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, individuals can take some precautions such as using glass containers instead of plastic, avoiding heating food in plastic containers, and reading labels to identify products that may contain phthalates or other chemicals of concern.
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Frequently asked questions
Phthalates, or ortho-phthalates, are chemicals used in plastic products, most commonly in the specific type of plastic named polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl), to make the material soft, flexible, and less brittle.
Phthalates are not safe. They are known to act like estrogen in the body and can affect reproduction, metabolism, behaviour, and the nervous and immune systems.
No, FDA-approved plastics are not phthalate-free. The FDA currently allows nine phthalates in food contact applications (eight for use as plasticizers and one for use as a monomer) in the production of food contact polymers.
Phthalates are found in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products, including nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers, shampoos, baby lotions, and baby powders. They are also commonly found in food packaging and processing materials, such as PVC tubing.
To reduce exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to avoid using certain types of plastic containers, especially those made of PVC, avoid heating plastics, reduce exposure to dust, and prioritise fresh, whole foods.
